Manchester City are edging closer towards a deal for Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Premier League champions are now in direct negotiations with Villa for the England international, with a decision on his future to be made in the coming days.
Manchester City Edge Closer to Arrival of Jack Grealish
‘Advanced Stages’
Several reports, including from The Athletic, suggest that a deal to bring Grealish to the Etihad Stadium is at an advanced stage.
City have been long-term admirers of the 25-year-old. Grealish is one of their main targets this summer, alongside Tottenham striker Harry Kane.
Grealish’s reputation has risen since Aston Villa’s return to the Premier League two seasons ago. He registered seven goals and 14 assists last season in all competitions for Dean Smith’s.
Furthermore, the 25-year-old made the second-most key passes last season, and was only beaten by City’s Kevin De Bruyne.
As a result, Grealish would add to Pep Guardiola’s side and ooze creativity. He could operate from either flank, as a number 10, or in a slightly deeper role as a number eight.
The Premier League champions would go from strength-to-strength with the England international in their side. Having won three of the last four Premier League titles, they could yet add to that number.
However, Romano states that Aston Villa are still eager to keep their star man.
Would Grealish Be Available to Start the Season?
Having made the final of Euro 2020 with England this summer, Grealish has been enjoying an extended summer break, and whether he would be match-fit to start the season remains unknown.
However, should he join City, Guardiola knows that he has to adapt to the situation that is presented to him.
“We have had to adapt,” he said. “With just three or four players from the first team.
“Every week there are players coming. Hopefully they can come back and they can train and don’t have to rest and be isolated.”
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